Hypermobility

Activity (Practical & Reflection):

a) Access the video resources and try out the following stability training exercises for the ankles:

- Rises

- Plantarflexion of the ankle

- Plantarflexion of the MTP (toe) joints

- Dorsiflexion

b) Access the video resources and try out the following stability training exercises for the knees:

- quadriceps engagement without hyperextension

c) Use reputable online sources and the internet to research any additional exercises that might be useful to support ankle/knee stability in hypermobile dancers. Share your findings on the forum.

Study Tasks

1. Reading and Research

a) Read Knight and McCormack and Knight et al. and take notes on the different types of hypermobility as well as key characteristics and symptoms of each type.

b) Use Athens or other reputable online libraries to identify at least one other article or publication on hypermobility (this can be dance specific, sport specific or general). Summarise the findings of the article and consider the specific implications for dancers. Share your thoughts and findings on the module forum.

2. Writing

a) Based on your research, create a table that lists as many attributes of the hypermobile dancer as you can; how might these impact upon the dancer’s ability to carry out dance activity. Indicate whether this is a potentially positive or negative impact, and why

b) Explain how you might cater for and support hypermobile dancers in your teaching. Think about:

Planning and scheduling of the activity in the class

The delivery of the class – will some of the activities need to be adapted?

Ensuring each individual dancers’ technical progression

Minimising injury risk

Additional information you may need to seek or other advice which you would need to take into account (500 words).

3. Reflection

a) Review the information and knowledge you already have regarding how and when to stretch and think about how you would need to adapt this advice for a hypermobile dancer.

b) Try the Beighton scoring system on yourself. Does your score reflect your own perceived degree of natural flexibility? Is there a correlation between the score and your personal training needs (flexibility, strength and stability)?